System and method for identifying devices in a room on a network

ABSTRACT

A system and method for controlling and selecting sources in a room on a network. The system allows a remote viewer to create a virtual presence within the room by providing the available displays, corresponding to the sources, to the remote viewer. The system includes a standardizing technique for improving the communication and overall switching of data for streaming on a network. The system can include a recording server for performing dual recording of the video files in each of a local database and a remote database. A graphical user interface (GUI) display is provided to guide a local user through a medical procedure in the standardized system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/708,903 filed Dec. 7, 2012,entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AND SELECTING SOURCES IN AROOM ON A NETWORK”, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/568,013, filed Dec. 7, 2011,entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AND SELECTING SOURCES IN AROOM ON A NETWORK”, all of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling aplurality of video and other information sources in a room connectedthrough a network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a hospital environment, it is crucial for all rooms, and moreparticularly, the various sources and personnel within each room tocommunicate effectively. The sources within the room can include acontrol computer, an overview camera, a microscope, a PACS (picturearchiving and communication system) computer, an in-light camera, asurgical navigation system, a C-Arm in the room, an ultrasound system, aphysiological monitor, a laparoscope, an endoscope, and other devicesand instruments available in a room for performing a medical procedureor operation.

Communication in a room of a hospital network, or other appropriatenetwork, is often hindered by the multitude of formats used for eachsource available in the room. It is a challenge to effectivelycommunicate between the various sources using current communication andnetwork techniques. There is a lack of a system that allows a singleuser to manipulate all sources within a room using a standardizedtechnique. Current systems require complex switching to account fordifferent formats and connectivities (i.e. some devices employ DVI,others employ HDMI, and yet others employ S-Video, or some combinationthereof, etc.).

Furthermore, in the communication context, there are several systems andmethods available that allow remote users to gain access to the room.These systems disadvantageously provide access to the sources themselvesdirectly to the remote viewer. Accordingly, a local in-room userexperiences undesirable interruptions and potential loss of control ofthe procedure and the devices and sources that perform the functions ofthe procedure.

It is desirable to avoid these and other disadvantages by providing asystem that standardizes sources within a room for effective andefficient communication and provides an in-room user with exclusivecontrol of the sources and the capture and/or display thereof whileimproving usability and streaming operating room (OR) workflow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and method standardizes and controls communication within ahospital network or other appropriate medical environment network. Thesystem allows a remote viewer to create a virtual presence in a roomconnected to the network. A virtual presence system can include aplurality of displays within a room that respectively correspond to aplurality of sources. A processing arrangement on a controller isprovided that selects a display, in response to a selection by theremote viewer, to provide only the display of the source to the remoteviewer. The selection and viewing by the remote viewer occurs free ofinterference to the local user during a medical procedure. This allowsthe local user within the room to have exclusive control of the sourcesin the room, free of control by the remote viewer. Further, the remoteviewer has a virtual presence in the room by viewing based on thedisplays of sources and content available to the local user in the room.Illustratively, a virtual presence can be established by a plurality ofcameras in the room (such as an operating room) that are dedicated tocreating and maintaining the virtual presence, such that the context ofthe room determines the content available.

Illustratively, the system also can include a recording server thatrecords the data corresponding to the plurality of displays within theroom in a local database. This server can be in the room or remote. Therecording server can also record the displays that are selected by theremote viewer in a local or remote database, thereby creating dualrecordings of the displays as viewed within the room. This furtherallows for verification that all videos and pertinent data have beenaccurately and appropriately recorded. Sources available for thedisplays include a room overview camera, a microscope, a PACS computer,an in-light camera, a surgical navigation system, a C-Arm, an ultrasoundsystem, a physiological monitor, a laparoscope and an endoscope, amongothers readily apparent to those having ordinary skill. More than one ofa given device type can be active at any given time.

Additionally, locally within the room and/or at a remote location, acontinuous-loop recording system can be provided. In an illustrativeembodiment, the system includes a database and application that storesdata from cameras (the virtual presence cameras, for example, or othercameras or devices within the room) onto the database. Thecontinuous-loop recording system stores the data for a predeterminedamount of time (for example, 1 day or 12 hours), and the data isavailable if something goes wrong. If there are no problems with aparticular procedure continues to record in a loop, recording overpreviously recorded data such that a lesser amount of memory is employedto record.

A graphical user interface (GUI) display can be provided in connectionwith the virtual presence system that has a plurality of screens forguiding a local user through a medical procedure. The GUI can beprovided using context-aware techniques to streamline the overallexperience for the local staff and indirectly improve the patientexperience.

To standardize the sources within the room and facilitate the in-roomcontrol by the local user, a controller or control computer can beprovided that is operatively connected to a video matrix switch. Theplurality of sources is also connected to the video matrix switch toperform a plurality of functions associated with the sources and othercontent in the room using the control computer. The system can alsoinclude a plurality of adapters, one for each of the control computerand each of the plurality of sources, so as to render the controlcomputer and sources in a standard format to improve connectivity forvarious sources, for further control and manipulation of the sources bythe local user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, ofwhich:

FIG. 1 is an overview block diagram showing the overall components ofsystem for controlling communication in a medical environment, accordingto an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 1A is a schematic floor plan view of a patient in a room of amedical environment, including a plurality of cameras for creating avirtual presence in the room for a remote viewer, according to anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a network diagram showing the relative connectivity of theoverall components of the system within the medical environment,according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a room-based MainStream or EasySuitesystem, detailing an adapter configuration for standardizingcommunication between a plurality of devices and a video matrix switchto control system communication and video matrix switching, according tothe illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure for setting up a room, froman administrator's perspective, according to the illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a procedure for a runtime application and thevarious stages present for performing a medical operation or othermedical procedure, according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI)display showing a home screen of the runtime application for the medicaloperation, according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an exemplary GUI display showing a setup screenof the runtime application for the medical operation, according to theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing an entry screenof the runtime application for the medical operation, according to theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a flow chart of a procedure for automatically determining thecontext, and thereby the content, or a particular procedure, inaccordance with the illustrative embodiments;

FIG. 9 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing a briefingscreen of the runtime application for the medical operation, accordingto the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing an intra-opscreen of the runtime application for the medical operation, accordingto the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing a roomlinkfunction screen of the runtime application for the medical operation,according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing a done screenof the runtime application for the medical operation, according to theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 13 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing a turn overscreen of the runtime application for the medical operation, accordingto the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 14 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing an audiosettings screen of the runtime application for the medical operation,according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 15 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing a lightssettings screen of the runtime application for the medical operation,according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 16 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing acommunications screen of the runtime application for the medicaloperation, according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 17 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing a safety boardscreen, according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 18 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing a service andsupport screen of the runtime application for the medical operation,according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 19 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing a status boardscreen, according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 20 a diagram of is an exemplary GUI display showing a portalscreen, according to the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing a procedure for performing dualrecording, according to the illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of a procedure for implementing acontinuous-loop recording system in accordance with the illustrativeembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method for controlling and selecting sources and othercontent in a room on a network allows a local user to control aplurality of sources in a room. The system further enables a remoteviewer to experience a virtual presence in the room using a controlcomputer by selecting from available displays corresponding to sourcesin the room. The room is a room in a medical environment, such as, butnot limited to, an operating room (OR) in a hospital. The term “medicalenvironment” as used herein, refers to a location in which a surgical,diagnostic, therapeutic, or other medical procedure is performed. Themedical environment, or “medical treatment location” (usedinterchangeably herein) typically, but not always, has a doctor,hospital staff, and other medical personnel present, that assist in amedical procedure. The medical environment includes, but is not limitedto, a hospital, trauma center, doctor's office, surgical center, andother locations known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Theroom can be a pathology room or a catheter lab, or other room in which aprocedure occurs.

FIG. 1 is an overview block diagram showing the overall components of acontrol system 100 for controlling communication in a medicalenvironment and the relative interaction therebetween. The controlsystem 100 includes a MainStream™ or EasySuite™ system 110, aLiveStream™ Server 120, a Recording Server 130, and a VaultStream™Server 150. It is noted that proprietary terms are used herein toreference each component of the system. Such terms are provided in partto assist the reader in understanding the structure and format of theillustrative embodiment. These terms are trademarks of assignee, ImageStream Medical, Inc. Additionally, the terms “EasySuite” and“MainStream” are interchangeable as used herein and refer to the systemfor controlling sources and content in the room, and the flow of datarelating thereto.

The MainStream system 110, as will be described in greater detailhereinbelow with reference to FIG. 1, controls the sources in the roomand provides data from the sources, via datastream 111, to a userviewing computer 112 where the connections are brokered by theLiveStream server. The user viewing computer is a remote viewer whoreceives data from the sources in the room but does not have controlover the sources in the room. Accordingly, a display-based system iscreated such that only the available displays of the sources areprovided to the remote viewer 112. In this manner, the display-basedrecording overcomes disadvantages of the prior art in which the sourceis sent to a database or other appropriate entity for recording. Byrecording and viewing based upon the data associated with the display,the system ensures that the appropriate data is stored. By sending onlya source for recording, the prior art systems result in potentiallyrecording the wrong device or nothing at all. In accordance with theillustrative embodiment herein, the display determines the recording,and thus the correct information is recorded. This further preventsrequiring a user to manually select a particular source to be recorded.Once a user selects a source for viewing in a particular display, thatis recorded, and any switch in source will likewise still be recorded,as it is provided on a display within the room.

A user viewing computer 112 selects one (or a plurality) of displaysthat are available in a room via datastream 115, which is interpreted bythe LiveStream server 120 to select the sources via datastream 125 inthe MainStream system 110. The available content sources are thendisplayed to the user viewing computer 112 so as to create a virtualpresence in the room for a remote viewer, as though they are within theMainStream system 110. A version of the LiveStream server 120 is shownand described in co-pending commonly assigned U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/510,337, entitled STREAMING VIDEO NETWORK SYSTEM, by PeterRenzi, et al., the teachings of which are incorporated by reference asuseful background information, and also described in pertinent partbelow.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1A showing a schematic floor plan view ofa patient in a room of a medical environment (such as an operating roomwithin a hospital). As shown, the room 160 has a patient 162 therein,and the room 160 includes a plurality of cameras 165, 166, 167 and 168that are used to establish a virtual presence for a remote viewer asthough they are in the room 160. Each of the cameras 165, 166, 167 and168 can be standard pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) cameras that move, respectivelyin a panning back-and-forth direction 171, 173, 175, 177 and a tiltingup-and-down direction 172, 174, 176 and 178. The cameras can also zoominward and outward in accordance with ordinary skill. The virtualpresence cameras 165, 166, 167 and 168 provide a full 360-degree view ofthe room 160 such that a remote viewer is able to view any angle andperspective of the patient during a medical procedure. Morespecifically, when a remote viewer establishes a connection to createthe virtual presence, the viewer is first presented with a 360-degreeview of the room to have a “lay of the land” perspective of the overallroom. Once the user has the 360-degree view of the room, they are givena list of available displays, based upon the context of the room. Asdescribed in greater detail herein, the context of the roomautomatically determines the content that is available to the local useras well as the content available to remote viewers. Although fourcameras are depicted in the room 160, any number of cameras from onecamera to tens or hundreds of cameras can be employed to establish thevirtual presence. In an illustrative embodiment, 4-6 cameras are in theroom to provide sufficient data to establish a virtual presence, withoutproviding too much information. The number of cameras is variable withinordinary skill depending upon the size of the room, the number of staffgenerally present within the room, and other factors readily apparentand applicable by those having ordinary skill in the art.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the MainStream system 110 also transmits datafrom the MainStream (in-room) active sources to a recording server 130via datastream 131. The selecting and recording of active sources in theroom is performed via datastream 132, and then data is transmitted viadatastream 131 to the recording server 130. The control system 100operates such that the selecting of active sources in the room isperformed on the displays of the sources that are exclusively controlledby a local MainStream user within the MainStream system 110.Additionally, the virtual presence cameras (for example 165, 166, 167,168 of FIG. 1A), allow a user to view the entire room from a 360-degreeperspective as though they are in the center of the room, without havingto enter into the medical environment. This can save critical time andspace needed during a medical procedure, as well as reduce the risk ofinfection to the patient. Accordingly, a virtual presence is created forremote viewers as though the viewers are in the room that has theMainStream system 110 implemented therein. The system has the benefit ofproviding a presence for a remote user without requiring the person tobe physically present in the room. This, for example, can save spacewithout sacrificing the number of physicians available during aprocedure. An expert at a remote location can be available for liveassistance during a procedure, without having to be present at thelocation, and without having to be present in the room. The recordingserver 130, LiveStream server 120, and remote viewing computer 112 eachare able to select available displays of the sources to be viewed,however the control of the sources themselves remains within theMainStream system 110 by a local user therein. It is expresslycontemplated that the system supports a display based paradigm as wellas virtual displays, which enable users to remotely select sources notassigned to physical displays in the room.

The displays and sources are collectively referred to as “content”herein. In an illustrative embodiment. The content of a room canautomatically be determined by the context of the room. The contextrefers to the type of procedure, the status of the room, the state ofthe patient, equipment status, and determines a higher level ofabstraction of a procedure to thereby determine the content (e.g.,device) for a particular procedure. For example, if a patient is havinglaparoscopy performed, the context automatically determines that thecontent will include a laparoscope. Additionally, the content may changerelative to the status of the room. For example, if a patient isentering into the room, the remote viewer will want to review thecontent of the virtual presence cameras, not the laparoscope.Accordingly, the content is determined by the context of the procedure(including patient context). As described in greater detail withreference to FIG. 22, the patient information can be automaticallydetermined based upon standard HL7 (Health Level 7) messages transmittedwithin the medical environment network.

Live videos and/or recorded videos (on the recording server 130) areaccessed via datastream 127 by the LiveStream server 120. The LiveStreamserver 120 is a broker that controls access to live content. Thisenables a remote viewer to access both live and recorded video files.The VaultStream server 150 receives requests from a user viewingcomputer 112 via datastream 151 to select and view data stored in therecording server 130. The VaultStream server selects stored videos anddata via datastream 152 to be accessed by the recording server 130. Thestored videos and data are transmitted to the VaultStream server 150 viadatastream 153 and then provided to the remote user viewing computer 112via datastream 154. In this manner, a user viewing computer can viewboth live and stored video and data based upon the sources availablewithin the MainStream system, while enabling the control of the actualsources to be exclusively within the MainStream system. A user also hasaccess to an optional second set of sources that can be remotelyselected. The data from the MainStream system, including videos andother data, is transmitted from the recording server 130 via datastream134 into a local database 135. This allows the videos to be stored inlocal database. Simultaneously, videos can be transmitted to a remotedatabase 155 via datastream 156. Accordingly, a dual recording of thevideos is stored in both a local database 135 and a remote database 155.This improves overall accuracy and efficiency of the system, and allowsusers to access both locally stored videos and remotely stored videoswithout waiting for lengthy file transfer operations. Further,verification can be performed to ensure that all videos are properlystored at both locations (see FIG. 21). The system is capable ofsupporting more than 2 channels in certain embodiments, as readilyapparent within the scope of ordinary skill.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, a network diagram showing the relativeconnectivity of the overall components of the system within the medicalenvironment. Each Operating Room 201 and 202 (Operating Room One 201,Operating Room N 202 and Specialty Area room 203) includes a MainStreamsystem (110 of FIG. 1), the specific details of which are shown in FIG.3, to standardize communication within the system. Each room includes avideo router 210 having a plurality of sources 211-220, 222-224, 226,227 (a camera 211, camera 212, medical device 213, monitor 214, monitor215, camera 216, camera 217, medical device 218, monitor 219, monitor220, camera 222, camera 223, medical device 224, monitor 226 and monitor227). Refer to FIG. 3 for a more detailed view of the MainStreaminterconnectivity in accordance with the illustrative embodiments. Inaccordance with the illustrative embodiments, the plurality of sourcesare controlled exclusively by the local user during a medical proceduresuch that the remote viewer controls not the plurality of sources, butinstead access to the sources via accessing the displays used during themedical procedures. The router 210 and an nStream RX device 221 areconnected through a network 225, such as a Local Area Network (LAN) orother medical environment network, to a Data Center 230, which includesthe VaultStream server 150, LiveStream server 120, and Recording server130. Alternatively, all or part of the system can be interconnectedusing a wide area network (WAN). For example, one or more users can bein a site that is accessed by the well known Internet. Appropriatesecurity, such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be implemented tosecure all or part of the Network in accordance with ordinary skill.Additionally, while not shown, the Internet can include appropriatesecurity measures to comply with medical standards such as HIPAA (HealthInsurance Portability and Accountability Act). HIPAA standards addressthe security and privacy of health data.

The Data Center 230 can also include a medpresence gateway computingplatform 232 operatively connected to the servers 120, 130, 150. Themedpresence gateway platform 232 has a virtual presence applicationrunning thereon that provides a virtual view to a remote viewer (forexample on the medpresence network 294). The virtual view can beestablished on the medpresence network through video received from thevirtual presence cameras (e.g. 205, 206, 207 or 165, 166, 167) locatedin room(s) of the medical environment. The virtual view can be a360-degree view from combined camera views in accordance with ordinaryskill. A “platform” as used herein refers to a hardware architecture andsoftware framework that allows software, particularly applicationsoftware, to run. Typical platforms include computer architecture,operating systems, programming languages, related user interface, andother platforms known in the art and readily applicable to those havingordinary skill.

The operating rooms 201, 202 and specialty area room 203 can also beconnected through the network 225 to a control room 240 for remotemonitoring and control applications. The control room 240 is employed inalternate embodiments for external control of the MainStream systems, asdesired. Various other components and entities of the medicalenvironment can also be connected through the network 225, including afull pathology room 250, a basic pathology room 255, a nurse station260, a typical conference room 270 and a doctor's office 280.

The pathology room 250 is similar to any operating room in the controlsystem, and includes a MainStream system for standardizing communicationbetween sources within the room and overall communication. The pathologyroom 250 includes a router 210, operatively connected to a grossingstation 251, a microscope 252, a PIP (picture-in-picture) option 253,and a wall display 254. A nStream RX device 221 is provided forappropriate connectivity to the network 225. The pathology room 250 is afull pathology room showing many available functionalities and hardwarecomponents available using the MainStream system. A basic pathology room255 can also be employed, which includes a grossing station 251, amicroscope 252, and a display (LSP) 256. An nStream RX device is capableof receiving two streams of input and converting into multiple streams.The RX device converges the recording and streaming so that the streamsare sent to the server and the recording is sent to the server. ThenStream RX device is capable of taking a single video input and turningit into three outbound streams of different resolution. For example, theRX device can take a single input stream and convert into a 480p, 720pand 1080p resolution output. The illustrative system employs a spatialmatrix from a single stream to provide multiple output streams atvarying resolutions. Multiple output streams at different resolutions isparticularly useful in the medical context where the output stream canbe predetermined based upon the particular source from which video isbeing streamed. For example, certain streams are desired to be in higherresolution, like certain streams can be in a lower resolution.

The nurse station 260 is also in communication through the network 225and includes a status board 261 (shown and described in greater detailbelow with reference to FIG. 19) that provides displays of sources tothe nurse station 260. A typical conference room 270 is connectedthrough the network 225 and includes the appropriate MainStream systemfor standardizing communication that includes a video router 210. Theconference room 270 includes a camera 271, a camera 272, a medicaldevice 273 and monitors 274, 275, and is appropriately connected throughnStream RX 221 for communication through the network 225. A doctor'soffice 280 includes a laptop 281 (or other appropriate device) connectedthrough the network 225 for communication with entities on the networkto create a virtual presence for a remote viewer in the doctor's office,as though the remote viewer were present in the room and able to viewthe displays as available to the local user.

The system can also be connected through an appropriate router-firewall290 through a WAN 292 to a medpresence network 294 to establish avirtual presence for users in the room. The virtual presence isestablished through the gateway platform 232 operatively connected tosystem servers (e.g. 120, 130, 150). In accordance with illustrativeembodiments, a client application on a computing device of a remote useror remote viewer of the medpresence network 294 is employed to select adisplay within the room of the medical environment, after the virtualview has been provided to the remote user on the medpresence network294. Remote users can thereby establish the virtual presence in a roomconnected to the LAN 225, including the Operating Room One 201,Operating Room N 202, Specialty Area Room 203, full pathology room 250,basic pathology room 255 and typical conference room 270.

The MainStream system 110, shown by way of example, as Operating RoomOne 201, Operating Room N 202, full Pathology room 250, basic Pathologyroom 255 and Conference Room 270 in FIG. 2, provides control of in-roomsources using a video matrix switch for standardizing the sources toimprove communication. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, a pluralityof devices, including Device A 301, Device B 302, and device N 303, areeach operatively connected to a digital switch that switches betweenstandard formats for communication within the system. Note that threedevices are shown, but any number of devices may be provided up to ‘N’,representing any number of devices available within a room. The numberof devices that can be connected to a single switch are limited by theinputs on the switch. However multiple switches may be employed within aroom as appropriate to perform communication and streaming ofinformation over the network. Advantageously, the system can be scaledas appropriate to include additional rooms, resources, etc., that can beimplemented. Any appropriate wiring or package with switches, powerindicators and the like can be implemented.

According to the standardized system, each device is provided with anadapter (adapter A 307 for device A 301, adapter B 308 for device B 302,and through to adapter N 309 for device N 303) which renders the deviceformat 304, 305, 306 into a standard format 310, 311, 312 for thedigital switch. This improves overall system connectivity bystandardizing various formats for streaming via the switch. Moreover,ports 315, 316, 317 are provided for connectivity to the digital switch320 so that the devices 301, 302, 303 can be quickly connected to thedigital switch by simply connecting the appropriate adapter 307, 308,309 into a port 315, 316, 317 of the digital switch 320. Moreparticularly, in an exemplary embodiment, the devices includes formatssuch as SVideo (Separate Video), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI(High Definition Multimedia Interface), and other source formats. Theadapters normalize the source-specific format into a standardized formatfor input to the switch. The standard output from the adapters can beDVI format and include a power channel and a data channel. Because theadapters are equipped with a power channel, no additional power isneeded to perform the standardization of data. The switch 320 thenswitches only standardized formatted data and a single switch canaccordingly be used for a plurality of differing type sources. Anexemplary adapter configured to perform the standardization of format isperformed implementing readily available video input chipsets, FPGAchips, FPGA firmware, and a chipset provided by Gennum Corporation ofBurlington, Ontario, Canada for long distance video transport. Theadapters provide appropriate connectivity for a source, depending on theoutput format type for the source. Adapters include the Gennum chipsetto standardize the output from the source and include appropriate outputconnectivity to be connected to the switch for video streaming and othertransmission. Adapters are also able to identify their correspondingsource and relay this information to the switch using the data channel.Accordingly, there is no need to register the devices with the networkor other systems, there is only a need to perform a one-timeconfiguration with the adapter to its source, and the adapter cancommunicate the source identifying information through the switch.

A charting PC (personal computer) 330 is provided in the MainStreamsystem to control the overall system and data pertaining to a patient.The PC format 331 is sent to the adapter 332, which provides a standardformat 333 to the port 334. The port 334 is in communication with theswitch 320 for further manipulation and control of the charting PC 330output. The controller 340 is in communication with a software orhardware based keyboard, video and mouse switch (KVM) 341 and incommunication with a system database 345. The controller 340 controlsthe KVM 341 to determine which computing device within the room will becontrolled by the controller 340. In this manner, a single controllercan perform the various functions of the system without requiringmultiple keyboards, mice and displays for each computer. The computer330 includes its own adapter for communication to the switch, andorchestrates the switching between the various computers and sources byswitching keyboard and mouse using the KVM 341. Typical KVM switchesalso control video, however this embodiment controls only the keyboardand mouse for the various sources in the room. The KVM switch can beimplemented in hardware or software in accordance with ordinary skill.Furthermore, the standard format improves communication and can beperformed for other devices on the network when being sent from thedigital switch 320.

The digital switch 320 transmits data in standard format 350, 351 toappropriate adapters that are connected to various devices within theroom. Adapter AA 352 receives the standard format 350 and transmitsappropriate device format 354 to device AA 356. Likewise, adapter ABreceives the standard format 351 and transmits appropriate device format355 to the device AB 357. In this manner, devices can appropriatelyreceive data from the digital switch using a standard format by applyingan adapter according to the system.

It is noted that the devices (A, B, . . . N, AA, AB) and variousadapters (A, B, . . . N, AA, AB) are described hereinabove as beingwithin a single “room”, however any orientation is appropriate for aclosed network in which the devices are used for performing a procedure.For example, the devices can represent various devices, cameras,monitors, and other sources that observe or are used during a surgery,operation, treatment or other medical procedure.

The digital switch 320 is also operatively connected to the LiveStreamserver through appropriate adapter and IP Encoder/Compressor 361 foroutbound streaming of video files and other pertinent data. The standardformat is transmitted from the switch via 360 to the Encoder/Compressor361, which is then transmitted to LiveStream server 120. This can beperformed, for example, using H264 encoding as appropriate for networkedcommunication. Accordingly, the LiveStream server 120 can receive devicedata quickly and efficiently by applying adapters to the devices andemploying a digital switch for switching the standardized data.Illustratively, the LiveStream server performs bi-directionalcommunication with the room through the switch and appropriate encodersand decoders, as is readily apparent to those having ordinary skill. TheLiveStream server essentially brokers the connectivity of all roomsthrough interconnectivity with a network.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, showing a procedure 400 for integratinga MainStream system in a room, according to the illustrativeembodiments. At step 410, the integrated operating room is provided inwhich each source has an adapter to standardize the output of the sourcefor input to a digital switch. Each source within the room is providedwith an adapter that standardizes the output of the device into astandard format, such as DVI. The adapter can also be used toappropriately format input to the device from a standard output of theswitch. At procedure step 412, predefined settings are provided for aplurality of physicians for a particular surgery and/or operating room.In this manner, the particular settings that a physician prefers foreach room and/or surgery being performed are readily available withinthe room. At procedure step 414, a local user selects a patient forsurgery and the corresponding physician. The local user is then providedwith the presets (predefined settings) for the room, and selects thepreset to setup the operating room. The functional control of the roomis performed at step 416, using a control computer operatively connectedto the digital switch. The control computer can control all of thesources within the room through using the digital switch, as describedherein. In an illustrative embodiment, the control computer is embeddedinto the EasyLink router and in further embodiments, the controlcomputer can be external to the room. Any new settings are stored atstep 418 and preparation for a new patient is performed. The processcontinues to repeat by returning to step 414 for each appropriatepatient on which a surgery or operation is being performed. In thismanner, the integrated operating room allows a plurality of patients toexperience an improved medical operation.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a procedure 500 for a runtime application andthe various stages present in an exemplary operation of the MainStreamsystem, for performing a medical operation. The procedure 500initializes with a home stage 510. See FIG. 6 for an exemplary screendisplay of a home stage of the procedure. The procedure then enters asetup phase 520, during which the patient information is captured 521,and the physician is selected 522. See FIG. 7 for an exemplary screendisplay of a setup stage of the procedure. The entry stage 530 includesa patient check-list 531 which verifies patient data, and a themeselected 532, in which a particular theme is selected for a patient. SeeFIG. 8 for an exemplary screen display of an entry stage of theprocedure. This allows a local user to select a greeting system theme asappropriate for the patient. Alternatively, a patient can pre-select adesired theme to be emulated during the procedure. Notably, thisimproves the overall medical operation experience for a particularpatient. For example, a patient interested in sports may select a sportstheme, and various other patient-interest-oriented themes can beprovided, as described herein. Another example is a child's cartooncharacter theme in a pediatric setting.

During the briefing phase 540, an operating room checklist 541 isverified to ensure operating room is prepared for the operation. SeeFIG. 9 for an exemplary screen display of a briefing stage of theprocedure. An intra-op phase 550 occurs during the procedure, and allowsthe local user to select the monitors for the sources 551, and the localuser selects which monitors will display the sources. See FIG. 10 for anexemplary screen display of an intra-op stage of the procedure. Theparticular displays that are selected or activated by the local user arethe displays that are available to remote viewers. Remote viewers areonly allowed to select and view the displays themselves, therebyensuring that the local user who is physically in the room andperforming or assisting in the medical operation has exclusive controlof the functions of the procedure. Thereby a remote viewer cannotinterfere with the procedure as the local user has exclusive controlover the sources through a control computer. Advantageously, the remoteviewer is provided with a virtual presence in the room which isillustratively restricted to viewing the particular displays availableto a local user in the room. This particularly makes the user feel as ifhe or she is present and avoids “information overload” associated withother extraneous and/or unrelated sources and displays. During theintra-op 550 phase, a particular monitor can be made available 551 or avideo can be recorded 552. Optionally, a timer 553 is also available inintra-op phase 550 for timing the procedure.

After the intra-op stage 550, the procedure enters a done phase 560,where a safety checklist 561 is provided and the user may complete theprocedure by saving or discarding video, images and/or deciding whetheror not to print images. See FIG. 12 for an exemplary screen display of adone stage of the procedure. Finally, during turn over stage 570, thereis a timer provided for turn over 571. This allows the amount of timefor a turn over to be tracked. A next patient 580 enters the room andthe procedure returns to the setup stage 520 to gather patientinformation and resume the overall procedure from steps 520-570.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6-17, showing diagrams of exemplarygraphical user interface (GUI) displays for a plurality of screens,according to an exemplary runtime application for a medical operation orother surgical procedure. FIG. 6 shows a diagram of an exemplary GUIdisplay of a home screen 600 of the runtime application. As shown, thescreen 600 includes a plurality of workflow tabs for guiding a userthrough the runtime application of the medical operation. There is ahome tab 601, a setup tab 602, an entry tab 603, a briefing tab 604, anintra-op tab 605, a done tab 606 and a turn over tab 607, eachrepresentative of the various stages of the runtime application forperforming the medical operation. Each of the various stages will beshown in the following screen shots of FIGS. 7-13. Each screen includeseach of the tabs for the various stages, as well as a status tab 608 toprovide the status of the operation (see FIG. 18 for a status screen).Each page further includes function tabs with a device tab 610,Communication tab 611, Lights tab 612, Audio tab 613, Video tab 614, andEvents tab 615, each of which will be described in greater detailhereinbelow. A timer 616 is provided on each page as a reference forlocal users and physicians performing the procedure, which includes astart button 617, a stop button 618 and a reset button 619. Each screendisplay also includes a global status bar 620 which provides a pluralityof buttons for controlling the states of various systems connected tothe controller. There is a camera button 621, video button 622,microphone button 623, internet signal button 624, privacy button 625and help button 626.

From the home screen 600, a local user selects the Setup tab 602 and isdirected to, for example, a setup screen 700 as shown in FIG. 7. Theexemplary GUI display of FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a setup screen 70including a registration panel 710 to perform registration of thepatient and capture pertinent information; a physician selector 715,which provides a drop-down list to select the physician performing theoperation. As shown, the registration panel 710 provides the user withthe options to perform HL7 registration, manual registration or quickregistration. A plurality of presets 720 is provided to allow the localuser to select the settings for a particular operation. As shown, animage 730 is provided which displays the desired setup for the room,based upon the particular preset 720 that is selected. A local userselects the Folders icon 731 or the Images icon 732 to select the roomsetup photos to view for a particular preset. The image box 735 displaysa plurality of thumbnail images 736 which can be selected to view alarger size image within the screen 730. The images 736 show the desiredsetup for a particular preset. Each of the monitors 740 are alsodisplayed on screen 700 to show the desired display for each setupimage. In further embodiments, the presets for a particular physiciancan be determined automatically based upon the HL7 registration, asshown and described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an exemplary GUI display showing an entry phasescreen 800 which is presented to the local user upon selecting the entrytab 603. A safety checklist 810 is presented to the local user whichprovides a series of steps that the local user must perform prior to,for example in this screen, the induction of anesthesia. The local userfirst checks 811 whether the patient has confirmed identity, then checkspoint 812 whether the site is marked, then whether anesthesia safetycheck is completed at point 813 and finally point 814 whether the pulseoximeter is on the patient and functioning. Finally the local userchecks whether the patient has a point 815 known allergy, point 816airway/aspiration risk, and point 817 risk of blood loss. The checklistdetails are provided by the hospital and presented to the user by thesystem. The entry phase screen also provides the various themes 820which allows the local user to select the theme as appropriate. Asshown, themes can be specified based upon the patient, such as aPediatric theme, a Teen-Male theme, a Teen-Female theme, an Adult-Maletheme and an Adult-Female theme. The monitors 830 are also selected toshow which images will be displayed on the various monitors for thevarious themes as a patient enters the room. Once the safety checklistis complete, the local user selects the complete button 812 to completethe entry phase.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiments, the entry phase screen800 can contain information that is obtained automatically based uponthe HL7 messages for automatic registration, and corresponding procedureinformation available within the system or acquired automatically basedupon the context (e.g. type of surgery, state of patient, equipmentstatus, staff present) of the room. Accordingly, the checklist 810 ofFIG. 8 is replaced with a list of patient information that isautomatically determined from the system. The HL7 registration refers toacquiring patient information automatically in response to an HL7message that is generated when a patient is admitted into a hospital.With reference to FIG. 8A, the procedure 840 for automaticallydetermining room context, and corresponding content available in a room,commences at step 842 by receiving an HL7 message. An HL7 message is amessage containing information that is standardized by HL7 (Health Level7) and provides a framework for electronic health records. The systemreceives the HL7 message and then acquires the patient data from themessage at step 844. The system further includes normalizationtechniques such that all data fields from HL7 messages can beappropriately correlated to the data field required by a particularhospital environment, such that the data can be normalized. For example,a system using “L.Name: Smith” and a system using “Last.Name: Smith”could be normalized so that they both have the particular required datafield for recognition by the MainStream system, to be “LN: Smith”. Incertain embodiments, the identity of the patient can be confirmed atstep 846. This can likewise be performed in an automated manner, such asa bar code scan of the bracelet on a patient, or by performing speechrecognition or facial recognition on the patient. As an example, apatient could record a short voice message of their name upon admittanceto the hospital. This could then be stored and sent with the HL7 messageto later confirm identity of the patient. The patient could then speaktheir name and this could be compared to a stored voice message for thepatient to confirm their identity. Facial recognition could also beemployed to confirm identity of the patient as they enter the room.

Once the patient data has been acquired, procedure data is then acquiredat step 848, either by manual entry by the user or through automateddata transfer of the particular procedure that is related to the patientassociated with the HL7 message. The procedure data can also be acquiredby determining the status of the procedure based upon the location ofpersons within the room and status of equipment in the room. At step850, the content (e.g. sources and displays) associated with the patientand procedure are determined. The contextual factors (i.e. patientstatus and procedure status) can automatically determine the content ofthe room. For example, if no equipment is in use and the patient isentering the room, the status can be assigned “entry” and the associatedpresets for types of content can be set, as defined by a physician or inaccordance with hospital or HIPAA standards for care during a procedure.If the context determines that a laparoscopy is to be performed, thenthe content includes a laparoscope and is set to a desired display, asdetermined by a physician, or in accordance with HIPAA standards. Inthis manner, when a patient enters into a room, the room becomescontext-aware that the patient has entered the room, based upon the HL7messages. This advantageously reduces the chances of a problem duringsurgery by properly identifying the patient and the particular procedureto be performed. In addition, a burden is removed from the circulatingnurse responsible for managing the operating room during the procedure,as he/she no longer needs to manually enter data into redundant systems.

Next, during the briefing phase, a local user is directed to theexemplary GUI display of FIG. 9 showing a diagram of a briefing phasescreen 900. A safety checklist 910 is presented to the local user to beperformed prior to proceeding to the medical operation. The checklistincludes point 911 to confirm all team members, point 912 to verballyconfirm surgery details, then anticipated critical events point 913surgeon reviews, point 914 anesthesia team reviews and point 915,nursing team reviews. Finally, safety checklist point 916 to checkwhether antibiotic prophylaxis has been given and point 917 whetheressential imaging is displayed. The monitors are shown in the panel 920,and display the data available from the sources in the room. Once thesafety checklist is complete, a local user can select the Completebutton 912 to enter the next phase of the procedure. Again, the detaileditems within the checklist are illustratively provided by the hospital.

During the intra-op phase of the medical procedure, a local user isdirected to a intra-op screen 1000, for example as shown in the diagramof the exemplary GUI display of FIG. 10. A local user selects themonitors 1030 for the various sources 1020 during the intra-op stage,which become the “activated” or selected sources within the room. Asource is shown in the display 1010. The activated sources, shown inmonitors A, B and C in 1020, are the displays available to the remoteviewer. From the intra-op screen, the user may choose the RoomLinkfunction, which allows the user to create a connection to another roomor location using the LiveStream system.

An exemplary GUI display showing a diagram of a nurses charting functionscreen 1100 is shown in FIG. 11. This shows the exemplary data presentedabout a patient upon a selection of the Events or EMR function tab. Whenin this mode, the user has full keyboard and mouse control of the nursePC, and is able to enter data normally. This allows a user to sit at andoperate through a single keyboard, mouse and display configuration whilehaving control of multiple other computers and devices. To return to themain control interface is accomplished by selecting the close button1120.

At the end of the medical operation, the local user enters the donestage and is directed to a done screen 1200, as shown in the diagram ofthe exemplary GUI display of FIG. 12. The local user, a nurse or otherperson in the room, performs the safety checklist 1210 by performing thevarious required steps. Nurse verbally confirms point 1211 the name ofthe procedure, point 1212 the correct instrument, point 1213 thelabeling of the specimen, point 1214 the equipment problems and point1215 review key concerns. Data can then be processed by selecting anitem from the process data panel 1220, including to save a video,discard a video, or send the system into a sleep mode. Once the safetychecklist 1210 is complete, the local user completes the safetychecklist by selecting the Complete button 1212. After the checklist iscomplete, the local user is directed to a turn over screen 1300 of theprocedure, as shown in the exemplary GUI display of FIG. 13. The turnover screen 1300 includes a timer for room cleaning, with a begincleaning button 1310 and a finish cleaning button 1312.

The exemplary GUI display also includes a plurality of tabs foradjusting the various settings within a particular room or performingvarious functions including the audio, video, lights, and communicationin the room, among other settings and preferences. Selecting the “Audio”tab 613 directs the local user to an audio settings screen 1400, asshown in the exemplary GUI display of FIG. 14. The screen 1400 includesa virtual iPod 1410 which allows a user to select the audio to be playedduring the procedure, a volume panel 1420 to appropriately adjust volumeand a music panel to adjust the volume of the various sources inrelation to each other. The “Lights” tab 612 directs the local user to alights settings screen 1500, as shown in the exemplary GUI display ofFIG. 15. The screen 1500 includes a room light panel 1510 to select thelight in the room. The amount of light is controlled using control panel1520 to select the level of illumination and turn a light on or off asdesired. Selecting the “Communication” tab 611 directs the local user toa communications screen 1600 which includes a speed-dial directory 1610with a plurality of speed dial numbers saved therein for accessing aperson. The speed-dial directory is managed by the VaultStream server,allowing information to be shared equally among all connected rooms.There is also provided a phone dial pad 1620 for dialing a phone numberand performing other control of the phone.

Selecting the “Status” tab 608 directs a support person to a statusscreen 1700, as shown in the exemplary GUI display of FIG. 17. TheMainStream OR (operating room) panel 1710 shows the status of thedevices and sources within the particular room. The Recording panel 1720displays the status of any recording being performed. Any alert detailsare listed in the box 1730.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18, an exemplary GUI display showing aSafetyBoard setup screen 1800. The SafetyBoard provides demographics1810 for a particular patient, information regarding the surgical team1812, critical information 1820 for a patient, an event log 1830 andnurse's notes 1840. The SafetyBoard improves staff awareness anddelivers key procedural information. It allows staff and personnel togather pertinent information and view critical information for apatient. The Surgical team panel 1812 provides information regarding thenurses 1813, surgeon 1814, anesthesia 1815 and visitor 1816. The familycontact information 1818 is also provided. The Broadcast status 1819 isalso shown which indicates the status of streaming data. Criticalinformation 1820 can include allergies 1821, notes 1822, proceduredetails 1823 and images 1825. The screen 1800 can also include surgeryevents 1830 and nurse's notes 1840. The majority of the informationpresented on the SafetyBoard can be acquired from the electronichospital record system via HL7 communications over the hospital network.

FIG. 19 is an exemplary GUI display showing a Status Board screen 1900.The status board is a feature of the LiveStream system that allows thedisplays that are provided by MainStream to be fed directly to thedisplay of the Status Board screen 1900 over the IP network. As shown, aplurality of individual windows 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940, 1950, 1960(1961, 1962, 1963, 1964) are provided on a single board to view aplurality of sources. These are viewed directly through the networkswitch which transmits the data. Accordingly, there is no need for avideo hub and no need for dedicated wiring for the system. Note that thescreen 1950 has the privacy mode on so that the sources cannot bedisplayed. This indicates that a local user in a room has turned on theprivacy mode so that the displays are not available for other viewers.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary GUI display showing a web Portal screen 2000,the Portal being a feature of the LiveStream system that allows a remoteviewer to view live video and select video sources from the controlpanel. As shown, a control panel 2010 is provided with icons eachrepresenting the various sources within the room. There is a room camera2011, endoscope 2012, bronchoscope 2013 and standard microscope 2014.Each of these sources can be selected to view the source as it is viewedwithin the room, thereby creating a virtual presence for the remoteviewer in the room. In addition, content can be provided and selected bythe user in the form of display icons to further achieve the virtualpresence effect.

The exemplary GUI displays described above employ the systems andmethods described herein to implement the MainStream system andLiveStream server in the illustrative embodiments. The system providesan application for performing a medical procedure and allows the localuser to have exclusive control of the procedure and functions associatedwith various sources. A remote viewer is able to view the availabledisplays corresponding to the sources being controlled by the local userto create a virtual presence as though the remote viewer is in the roomwhere the operation is being performed. The system improvescommunication by standardizing the format for switching and streamingfiles and content over a network.

The teachings herein enable a VaultStream server (e.g. server 150 ofFIG. 1) to control the recording of video files and other content suchthat a recording is stored in both a local database and a remotedatabase. FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing a procedure 2100 forperforming dual recording. At procedure step 2110 a local video file ofa display corresponding to a source being used in the operation isrecorded into a local database. At procedure step 2112 a remote videofile of a display corresponding to a source is recorded in a remotedatabase. Note that steps 2110 and 2112 can occur simultaneously so thatthe video file is recorded both locally and remotely at the same time,to provide the video files at both locations. The local video file andthe remote video file are then compared at procedure step 2114 to verifythe recorded information. This is accomplished by performing acomparison of the number of files present at each location, or acomparison of both content and duration of each video filing accordingto conventional comparative techniques. The local video file and/orremote video file can further be provided over a network at step 2116.In this manner, users can access both the local video file and theremote video file. Further, the transfer time is significantlydecreased, as there is no need to transfer the files after the recordinghas occurred or started. Advantageously, this procedure ensures that thevideo files are available for remote viewers while they aresimultaneously being recorded in a local database. The dual-recordingsystem also enables workflow because the files are immediatelyaccessible both locally and remotely.

Reference is now made to FIG. 22 showing a flow chart of a procedure forcontinuous-loop recording in a medical environment. As shown, theprocedure 2200 commences at step 2210 by starting the recording and thencontinues to record. In an illustrative embodiment, the system includesa database and application that stores data from cameras (the virtualpresence cameras, for example, or other cameras or devices within theroom) onto the database during the continuous record step. Thecontinuous-loop recording system stores the data for a predeterminedamount of time (for example, 1 day or 12 hours) or until the memory isfull. However, if there is a problem, then the procedure stops and thedata is available if something goes wrong in the room of the medicalprocedure. If there are no problems with a particular procedurecontinues to record in a loop, recording over previously recorded(and/or deleted) data such that a lesser amount of memory is employed torecord.

With continued reference to FIG. 22, the procedure can be constructedand arranged to continue to check space in memory at 2220 and, if it isfull at 2222, the procedure advances to erase memory at 2225. If thememory is not full at step 2220, the procedure continues to record andthen checks if the predetermined amount of time has passed at step 2230.When the predetermined amount of time has passed at step 2230, theprocedure advances to step 2225 to erase memory and then continue torecord at step 2240. If not enough time has passed at 2230, theprocedure continues recording at step 2240. In further embodiments, theerasing of memory at step 2225 can be optional, and the system can startthe recording over the existing recorded data. In many medicalenvironments, it is desirable to delete the existing memory after it isfull or after the predetermined amount of time has passed, for securitypurposes and, where necessary, HIPAA compliance.

The devices, systems and methods shown and described herein improveusability of OR systems and streamline OR workflow, as well as usabilityand workflow of any medical environment in which a procedure isperformed. The sources in the room are standardized for effective andefficient communication to allow for real-time access to live videostreams.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrativeembodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Eachof the various embodiments described above may be combined with otherdescribed embodiments in order to provide multiple features. Moreover,while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of theapparatus and method of the present invention, what has been describedherein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles ofthe present invention. For example, specific arrangements of variouscomponents and entities of the system have been shown for illustrativepurposes. However, any appropriate arrangement which employs theteachings herein is expressly contemplated. For example, the particulararrangement of various servers within a network is highly variable.Furthermore, appropriate access controls can be provided for thenetworked communication to comply with health insurance and datamanagement standards, as appropriate. Additionally, several particularsources and medical procedures have been described for illustrativepurposes, however any number of sources and medical procedures canimplement the systems and methods described herein, without departingfrom the scope of this invention. Accordingly, this description is meantto be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scopeof this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for identifying sources used in amedical procedure performed at a medical treatment location, the systemcomprising: a control computer configured to couple to a digital switch;receive information identifying a first source to be used in the medicalprocedure performed at the medical treatment location; and present, viaa graphical user interface configured to couple to the control computer,source identifying information based on the information identifying thefirst source; and a first adapter unit configured to couple to thedigital switch; couple to a single source corresponding to the firstadapter unit, the single source being the first source; identify thefirst source; provide the information identifying the first source tothe control computer via the digital switch; receive video data in afirst source-specific format from the first source; normalize the videodata into standard format video data; and provide the standard formatvideo data in the standard format to the digital switch.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the first source-specific format includes at leastone of a standard video (S-Video) format, a composite video format, aDigital Visual Interface (DVI) format, a High Definition MultimediaInterface (HDMI) format, a High-Definition Serial Digital Interface(HD-SDI) format and a Red Green Blue Horizontal sync Vertical sync(RGB-HV) format.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the standard formatis a DVI format, and wherein the first adapter unit includes an inputcable having a power channel and a data channel.
 4. The system of claim1, wherein the control computer is configured to control the firstsource via the digital switch.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst source includes one or more of an endoscope, the control computer,an overview camera, a microscope, a picture archiving and communicationsystem computer, an in-light camera, a surgical navigation system, aC-Arm in a room at the medical treatment location, an ultrasound system,a physiological monitor and a laparoscope.
 6. The system of claim 1,further comprising a second adapter unit coupled to the digital switch,the second adapter unit being configured to identify a second sourcecoupled to the second adapter unit and to provide informationidentifying the second source to the digital switch.
 7. A method foridentifying sources used in a medical procedure performed at a medicaltreatment location, the method comprising: identifying, by a firstadapter unit configured to couple to one source, a single source, thesingle source being a first source coupled to the first adapter unit,the first source being configured to be used during a procedure in amedical treatment facility; providing, by the first adapter unit, firstinformation identifying the first source to a digital switch coupled tothe first adapter unit, the digital switch connected to a controlcomputer; receiving, by the first adapter unit, first video data in afirst source-specific format from the first source; normalizing, by thefirst adapter unit, the first video data into a standard format; andproviding, by the first adapter unit, the first video data in thestandard format to the digital switch.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising: identifying, by a second adapter unit coupled to the digitalswitch, a second source coupled to the second adapter unit; providing,by the second adapter unit, second information identifying the secondsource to the digital switch; receiving, by the second adapter unit,second video data in a second source-specific format from the secondsource; normalizing, by the second adapter unit, the second video datainto the standard format; and providing, by the second adapter unit, thesecond video data in the standard format to the digital switch.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein receiving the second video data includesreceiving the second video data in a second source-specific format thatis a same format as the first source-specific format.
 10. The method ofclaim 8, wherein receiving the second video data includes receiving thesecond video data in a second source-specific format that is a differentformat from the first source-specific format.
 11. The method of claim 7,wherein identifying the first source includes performing a one-timeconfiguration with the first adapter unit to the first source.
 12. Themethod of claim 7, wherein receiving the first video data includesreceiving the first video data in at least one of a standard video(SVideo) format, a composite video format, a Digital Visual Interface(DVI) format, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) format, anHigh-Definition Serial Digital Interface (HD-SDI) format and a Red GreenBlue Horizontal sync Vertical sync (RGB-HV) format.
 13. The method ofclaim 7, wherein normalizing the first video data includes normalizingthe first video data in a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) format, and themethod further comprises providing power and data over an input cable ofthe first adapter unit.
 14. The method of claim 7, further comprisingcontrolling, by an input received at a graphical user interface (GUI) ofthe control computer coupled to the digital switch, the first adapterunit.
 15. The method of claim 7, wherein identifying the first sourceincludes identifying one or more of an endoscope, the control computer,an overview camera, a microscope, a picture archiving and communicationsystem computer, an in-light camera, a surgical navigation system, aC-Arm in a room at the medical treatment facility, an ultrasound system,a physiological monitor and a laparoscope.
 16. An adapter unitcomprising: an input configured to be coupled to a single source, thesingle source being a source corresponding to the adapter unit andconfigured for use during a medical procedure, the source beingconfigured to transmit video data in a source-specific format; and anoutput configured to be coupled to a digital switch, wherein the adapterunit is configured to: receive information identifying the source fromthe source via the input; provide the information identifying the sourceto the digital switch via the output; receive the video data in thesource-specific format from the source via the input; normalize thevideo data in the source-specific format into a standard format; andprovide the video data in the standard format via the output.
 17. Theadapter unit of claim 16, wherein the adapter unit is further configuredto identify the source via a one-time configuration with the adapterunit to the source.
 18. The adapter unit of claim 16, wherein the outputis configured to couple to a port that is configured to couple to aninput of the digital switch, the port being configured to connect thesource to the digital switch.
 19. The adapter unit of claim 16, whereinthe source-specific format includes at least one of a standard video(SVideo) format, a composite video format, a Digital Visual Interface(DVI) format, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) format, anHigh-Definition Serial Digital Interface (HD-SDI) format and a Red GreenBlue Horizontal sync Vertical sync (RGB-HV) format.
 20. The adapter unitof claim 16, wherein the source includes one or more of an endoscope, acontrol computer, an overview camera, a microscope, a picture archivingand communication system computer, an in-light camera, a surgicalnavigation system, a C-Arm in a room, an ultrasound system, aphysiological monitor and a laparoscope.
 21. A system for identifyingsources used in a medical procedure performed at a medical treatmentlocation, the system comprising: a first adapter unit configured tocouple to a first single source corresponding to the first adapter unit,the first single source being a first source used in the medicalprocedure performed at the medical treatment location, the first adapterunit configured to receive first video data in a first source-specificformat from the first source and normalize the first video data into astandard format; a second adapter unit configured to couple to a secondsingle source corresponding to the second adapter unit, the secondsingle source being a second source used in the medical procedureperformed at the medical treatment location, the second adapter unitconfigured to receive second video data in a second source-specificformat from the second source and normalize the second video data intothe standard format; and a digital switch configured to couple to thefirst adapter unit and the second adapter unit, wherein the digitalswitch is configured to identify the first source based on firstinformation identifying the first source that is received from the firstadapter unit and to identify the second source based on secondinformation identifying the second source that is received from thesecond adapter unit.
 22. The system of claim 21, further comprising acontrol computer configured to couple to the digital switch, wherein thecontrol computer is configured to display a graphical user interface tocontrol the first adapter unit and the second adapter unit during themedical procedure.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the first sourceis identified by the first adapter unit according to a one-timeconfiguration with the first adapter unit to the first source.
 24. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the first source-specific format is a sameformat as the second source-specific format.
 25. The system of claim 21,wherein the first source-specific format is a different format than thesecond source-specific format.